Overview:

The Saladin Citadel of Cairo is an Islamic fortification and historic landmark located in Cairo, Egypt. Built in 1176 by the great ruler Saladin, it served both as an administrative center and a military fortress. The Citadel has been used throughout the centuries by various rulers in Egypt and is now a protected site and museum. The Citadel is notable for its great size, majestic form, and wide variety of Islamic architecture spanning various periods. It is located on a hill high above Old Cairo and forms one of the largest, most impressive monuments in Cairo. This towering fortress has numerous gates, mosques, courtyards, ramparts, towers, and chapels. Within the boundaries of the Citadel lay some of Cairo’s most important sites, including the tomb of Muhammad Ali, the founder of modern Egypt. The Citadel is a unique site that perfectly captures the long and distinctive history of Cairo. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. The Walls: Dating back to the 12th century, the walls surrounding the Saladin Citadel of Cairo are some of the city's most iconic features. Constructed out of stone, these thick walls are estimated to be up to 20 meters thick in places. There are four gates which were used to control access to the fortress, along with several monumental towers. 2. Mosque of Muhammad Ali: The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is located on the grounds of the Saladin Citadel of Cairo and was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1828. It is an excellent example of Ottoman-style Islamic architecture, with its two large minarets and its stunning domes. It is still used as a place of worship today. 3. Military Museum: Located in the courtyard of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Military Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of military life in Egypt. It includes several artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, and equipment used by Egypt's soldiers throughout its history. 4. View of Cairo: One of the most impressive features of the Saladin Citadel of Cairo is its incredible views of the city. The views from the top of the fortress, which is located on a hill overlooking the city, provide a stunning panorama of Cairo and the surrounding area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Saladin Citadel of Cairo is a medieval Islamic fortification located in Cairo, Egypt that served as a stronghold of defense for the city and the ruling elites for much of its history. The citadel was originally completed in 1183 CE by Salah al-Din (Saladin), the Kurdish sultan of Egypt and Syria who founded the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th century and defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hatin in 1187. The citadel has gone through many stages of restoration and development over the centuries, with the most significant changes occurring during the time of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, when bastions, gates, and mosques were added. The most imposing structure at the citadel is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, built between 1830-1848 CE under the rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Albanian-Egyptian ruler of the Ottoman Empire. Throughout its history, the Saladin Citadel has served as an important military center and fortress and a residential area for the ruling class, with several palaces, mosques, religious institutions, and a post office located within its walls. Today, the citadel remains an important cultural and historical site, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Saladin Citadel of Cairo was initially built as a fortress and palace by Saladin (Salah ad-Din) in 1176 AD. 2. The Saladin Citadel of Cairo is a massive, fortified structure that dominates the skyline of Cairo. 3. The Citadel was built to be a symbol of Saladin's power and a defensive stronghold. 4. The fortress complex has been continuously inhabited since it was built, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 5. Inside the Citadel is a mosque built in 1296, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which is the largest and most important mosque in Cairo. 6. There are also two military museums located in the Saladin Citadel, which feature artifacts from the countries three different periods of military history. 7. The Saladin Citadel has often been likened to the castle of Harry Potter due to its size and its importance in Cairo's history. 8. The Citadel is also home to several iconic monuments and historical sites, such as the citadel's prisons, the mosque, and the tombs of former Prime Ministers. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era